Chapter 229 - 161: From now on, the young lady will rely on you

Words : 2055 Updated : Oct 1st, 2025

Princess Dog and her party crossed more than half of New Wanjin Town, arriving punctually before the Nozawa family residence at dusk, according to the meticulously calculated schedule. Yet, unlike Huaxia, weddings in the Japan Middle Ages were not marked by clamorous drums or the crackle of firecrackers, nor were they meant to be bustling affairs. It remained a solemn gathering of only the Oda and Nozawa families. Indeed, due to the vast disparity in status between men and women of this era, Harano did not even need to go to the gate to greet the bride personally; it sufficed for him to sit upright in a quiet chamber and await her arrival, even if the bride were a princess. Naturally, there were others assigned to receive the bride—typically a senior family elder or someone of high reputation among the retainers. Yet the Nozawa family had neither such retainers nor elders. Thus, Ah Man, who had proclaimed herself as elder, took the duty upon herself, bringing along Ah Qing, Yayoi, and other household retainers and family children. They waited at the gate and, upon the arrival of the "Phoenix Carriage" and the disembarkation of the bride, personally lit large bonfires on either side of the entrance. This was the "Gate Fire Burning"—a type of purification ritual to prevent the bride from bringing any "unclean" aura into her husband’s house, or to deter evil spirits and monsters from slipping in amidst the commotion. Once the gate fires flared up, Ah Man ordered for a bucket containing clam shells to be brought out and placed before the entrance. She watched as Princess Dog pressed her hands together in prayer before the clam shells—since only a perfectly matching pair of shells can close seamlessly, they symbolized "a lifelong pair," "fidelity," and "marital harmony." This was for good luck and was also an outward gesture from the bride. After this prayer, Ah Man solemnly advanced to offer greetings and then personally led Princess Dog inside, escorting her all the way to the house’s vestibule, where she turned her over to Asano Nagasuke’s wife, Lady Ayuan. The Oda family’s escorting party remained here, entrusted by Ah Man to be served food and drink. As per the "Ise School Wedding Ceremony," the wedding would generally last three days. The first day (the wedding night) would be marked by a feast attended only by the wedding officiant, the groom, and the bride (and maidservants). The officiant was typically a respected matron from the groom’s family, but since the Nozawa family had none of sufficient age, aid was sought from afar, and Asano Nagasuke’s wife was brought in to fill the role. The second day was reserved for the groom and bride alone: a private celebratory meal, with the bride serving food to her husband to foster affection and reinforce the order of seniority and hierarchy between them. The third day was when the bride formally appeared at her husband’s home, meeting his parents and siblings, as well as household retainers of the Lang Faction—fully becoming part of the family. Now was the first celebratory feast. Lady Ayuan, eyes crinkled with smiles, led Princess Dog to the inner chamber, with Ah Zhong, Ah Xia, Yayoi, and the maids trailing quietly behind. The inner chamber had been specially decorated for the wedding—a dais constructed, with a Penglai Mountain in the center, and tied bundles of carp and wild geese on either side. Arranged as well were a purification bottle, kettle, pitchers, and other items, all intended as auspicious omens. For instance, Penglai Mountain was an enormous bonsai crafted in imitation of Penglai Immortal Island, its surface undulating like mist-wreathed mountains; adorned with pines and cranes, emblems of fortune, as well as intricately carved pavilions and immortals displaying remarkable lifelikeness. It signified "may the newlyweds’ life together be blissful as in fairyland, filled with blessings and good fortune."—An expensive piece, this bonsai cost Harano more than thirty kan, but as a family treasure, it would serve future weddings of Harano or other Nozawa members as well, not just this one occasion. Upon the dais, aside from these symbols of good fortune, three small tables were set with dishes as well. Lady Ayuan, smiling, bade Princess Dog to sit upon the right, then invited Harano to emerge from the quiet chamber and seat himself to the left—for in the Japan Middle Ages custom, the left, facing east, signified precedence. Harano had been confined in the quiet room for several hours; his nerves were little less taut than Princess Dog’s. Upon being released, he heaved a sigh of relief. Seated now, he at last saw Princess Dog’s features clearly—he had seen her portrait before, but in this era, a portrait meant almost nothing. Contrary to Harano’s prior expectations, Princess Dog did not look the part of a "princess" at all. She knelt there, very small and slender, frail and light, not at all imposing—if anything, she seemed timid. Her little hands were clasped within her sleeves, nervously twisting, and from time to time the sleeves trembled faintly, betraying her tension. As for her appearance—a head of black hair, long and lustrous as silk, soft even the side whiskers could not conceal, and a delicate, oval face with a refined nose. She appeared quite exquisite, but he could see little more—her head was lowered. Her lashes, like butterfly wings, quivered lightly, as if betraying her shyness and unease. Lady Ayuan, surveying both parties, smiled and recited the wedding blessing, thanking the gods, invoking the ancestors of the Nozawa family, and praying for their protection over the couple. She then gently clapped her hands, motioning to the maids to present the "three sake cups," and said with a smile, "Honored Highnesses, now you may exchange cups." This was the ancient version of the nuptial toast: the couple would each drink from the other’s cup in turn, symbolizing that henceforth their fates were bound, their lives intertwined as one, facing all joys and trials together—by far the most significant part of the whole rite. Harano carefully took up his sake cup, a little guilty, making an effort to lean toward her. Princess Dog, too, brought up her cup with care, casting him a quick, nervous glance before straightening herself so her arm could pass through his elbow as custom required. She brought the cup to her lips, steadying herself, and took a small sip. Her eyes widened in surprise—it was sweet, actually delicious, not at all as Ah Zhong and Ah Xia had warned, neither bitter nor sour. Harano did all he could to accommodate her, wary lest any abrupt movement leave her hanging from his arm. He stretched his mouth for a sip, while Lady Ayuan beside them offered auspicious sayings, one after another. It seemed Maeshima Shichiro and Endo Chiyoda had chosen well; Lady Ayuan was indeed a veteran in presiding over weddings, no doubt practiced many times before. After three rounds, the "three sake cup" ceremony was complete. Lady Ayuan gathered the cups, laid the couple’s hands together, and smiled in gentle contentment: "As Your Highnesses have now drunk three rounds together, with wine so mellow and affection within, from this day forth you shall weather storm and sunshine side by side, guarding each other always—may you never forget this moment." Harano gave a small nod, smiling at Lady Ayuan, and replied, "I will." Even if this was a political union, he would do his part, at the very least ensuring she never wanted for food or clothing as long as she lived. Princess Dog’s lips moved, but her voice was so faint he couldn’t catch her words; yet when Lady Ayuan released their hands, the princess suddenly recalled her nurse’s early training, withdrew a half-step, bent in deep obeisance, and offered with formality: "Honored husband, from this day I am in your care." The first banquet thus came to its end; the three would not truly sit together to eat and drink. Princess Dog, accompanied by Ah Zhong and Ah Xia, was quickly led to the bedchamber; Harano did not follow immediately, but first escorted Lady Ayuan out with care, seeing her properly attended, then went to pay respects to the Oda escort party. ...... Princess Dog followed the corridor to the "wedding chamber." No matter how exhausted, she dared not show disrespect, kneeling obediently like a marionette, unmoving. Meanwhile, outside the room, Ah Zhong and Ah Xia whispered to the little maid who had guided their way, hoping to coax out some gossip about the Nozawa family. Princess Dog hardly cared; she still felt herself drifting in and out of reality—at times believing this all a dream, at times recognizing the wedding over and herself now the Nozawa family’s mistress in name. She remained in a daze for quite a while, still unable to recall Harano’s face—only remembering that he was extremely tall, seated there like a mountain. Still, he seemed nothing like what Ah Zhong and Ah Xia had warned; he did not appear to be a bad man. Earlier, when they exchanged cups, Harano had twisted himself, awkwardly accommodating her, something she could vaguely sense. "Your Highness... Your Highness?" Princess Dog, lost in thought, was startled by someone calling her. She focused and saw it was Yayoi. Of course, she had no idea what Yayoi’s name was yet—her intelligence gathering in the Nozawa household was shockingly poor—but it was clear Yayoi commanded the maids, indicating some standing. Not daring disrespect, Princess Dog quickly donned her practiced smile, maintained her composure, and spoke softly, "Esteemed female official, what is it?" Yayoi was nervous as well; her life’s ambition had been merely to work as a kitchen maid in Hosokawa Castle, yet fate had spun her into serving at the Nozawa family as "Housekeeper." With the family’s rapid rise, she now managed dozens of people—her own admission was that she was unfit for such a role, but Ah Man had pressed her, Harano approved, and she did not dare refuse. Now, faced with a true princess, she feared embarrassing the Nozawa family, nerves taut as bowstrings; though she had crammed etiquette for two years now, confidence before royalty was sorely lacking—she did not even dare raise her head, and spoke softly: "Forgive my intrusion, Your Highness. May I ask if you would prefer to bathe and change, or dine first?" Princess Dog was at a loss. By custom, she ought to sit here obediently, awaiting Harano’s return; but in the Oda family, she’d lived ever watchful under Lady Tsuchida’s gaze, long accustomed to caution, and now found it hard to refuse directly. Yayoi waited a moment; sneaking a glance, she seemed to read the princess’s hesitation, and quickly added: "Your Highness, these are Lord Saburo’s instructions." Indeed, these were Harano’s instructions—Princess Dog was wrapped from head to toe in countless layers; Harano could not tell how many, and she was barely able to walk. He guessed she was utterly exhausted. Her face, masked in powder, was so white she seemed almost foreign. He even wondered if those ancient cosmetics—maybe containing lead—weren’t toxic, hoping she could wash them off soon. As for the banquet food, it was all for show; set out long in advance, not meant to be eaten. Harano suspected she was also hungry. Thus, he’d asked Yayoi to assist—help the princess remove her "armor," wash her face, and enjoy a proper meal. Learning of Harano’s direct instructions, Princess Dog relaxed, but chanced refusal even less. After hesitating, she realized the many layers actually brought her a sense of security, and did not wish to shed them just yet. Maintaining her composure, she replied with a smile: "Then... let us dine first." Yayoi, too, breathed a sigh of relief, finding the princess not difficult after all. She quickly left to softly instruct the maids. At once a set of small tables was arranged before Princess Dog, standing lanterns were erected for light, and a stream of colorful dishes followed, soon filling every available space. Yayoi was always careful with her work—and this was a princess. She presented all her skills, giving her utmost, but in the Nozawa family, this was nothing extraordinary. The Nozawa family, if lacking in anything, was never short on money—they were the absolute nouveau riche of Owari Province.

Chapter 229 - 161: From now on, the young lady will rely on you

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